Troy Jackson poised to become Maine Democratic Senate nominee against Susan Collins

Former Maine Senate president Troy Jackson is expected to clinch the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Susan Collins after his supporters captured the bulk of the 500 delegate slots allocated during county selection meetings on Saturday and Sunday. Although delegates are not bound to vote for him at the state convention in Bangor next weekend, political analysts say his position is effectively secured.

Jackson, a 58-year-old logger from Allagash, entered politics nearly three decades ago, initially running as a Republican in 2000 before switching to the Democratic Party in 2004. He served in the state House, was elected to the state Senate in 2008, and later became Senate president. In recent years he has advocated for Medicare-for-All, reproductive rights and other progressive policies.

He previously sought the Democratic nomination for governor, finishing third in the ranked-choice primary, and had aligned with former Senate candidate Graham Platner, who withdrew after a rape allegation surfaced. Jackson received endorsements from progressive figures and groups, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Our Revolution and several Maine labor unions.

"This movement has always been bigger than one person. It's about taking on a system rigged against working people, fighting for ‘Medicare-for-all,’ strong unions, higher wages, reproductive freedom, and an economy where billionaires and corporations finally pay their fair share," Jackson said during a virtual town hall.

The Senate race is one of a dozen contests that could determine whether Democrats regain control of the chamber, which is currently held by Republicans 53-47.